Welding plays an important role in our society and it’s uses span across many different industries. It’s easy to overlook what an integral role has in our everyday lives! A vast array of structures, such as bridges and large buildings, have utilized welding in construction to accomplish spectacular feats of durability and craftsmanship. Let’s take a look at 4 facts you may not know about welding in the construction industry.
1. Growth Within the Industry
Welding in construction has continued to see steady, solid growth year over year. For example, over 50% of steel produced globally is used in the construction of commercial and residential buildings. Just within the United States, more than 40 million tons of steel are used every year in the construction industry! Construction welding is crucial to a robust economy and the construction of new buildings supports local communities.
2. Types of Welding Used in the Construction Industry
The industries that utilize welding in their construction projects are wide reaching so let’s take a moment to explore a few welding methods that are commonly used. Submerged metal arc welding or SMAW is frequently used in welding steel structures. Another method includes Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG welding) which is known for its compatibility with not only stainless steel but also copper, aluminum and bronze. For projects such as heavy equipment repair, Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) is often used.
3. Construction Welding – Infrastructure & State Treasures
Spend some time driving around your state and you will be sure to notice the ways construction welding has been used to build up the infrastructure around you. This may include bridges, highways and even railways! You may also find famous structures such as the Grand Canyon Skywalk which used over 1 million pounds of steel to construct and utilized a submerged arc welding technique to complete. The skywalk can hold up to 70 million pounds of weight and sustain a magnitude 8.0 earthquake!
Another amazing structure to observe is the Gateway Arch in Saint Louis. Builders used MIG welding as well as spot welding to complete this remarkable structure. There are so many ways that welding can be used in the construction of incredible landmarks, such as this.
4. The Sky’s the Limit!
With a strong demand and continued growth, there will be no shortage of welding careers available to you. If you have chosen this career path, you will be happy with the opportunities you will have to grow in your profession. President of the American Welding Society, David McQuaid, states that by the year 2025 the US may be facing a shortage of more than 400,000 welding professionals. Your skillset is in high demand so whether you are new to welding or looking to begin your career, you are in the right place.
We think one of the best things about construction welding is how frequently it is used all around us. These structures, highways and bridges allow us the freedom to explore our surroundings, observe structural masterpieces and in the simplest form, complete daily tasks such as driving to work. Did you know that approximately 120,000 vehicles cross the Brooklyn Bridge everyday? The skilled welders that have been so vital in the construction field have our highest accolades and the future for the industry remains bright!
Sources:
- https://blog.red-d-arc.com/welding/welding-in-construction/
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flourishing-construction-sector-to-invite-immense-growth-prospects-for-global-welding-products-market-between-2019-and-2027-tmr-301152083.html
- https://weldinginsider.com/6-welding-industries/
- https://www.allstatecareer.edu/blog/skilled-trades/why-welding-is-an-important-industry.html
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/i-love-the-brooklyn-bridge-walk-across-it-and-you-will-too/2016/01/07/978658d0-a504-11e5-b53d-972e2751f433_story.html
